​In the basement space of a Grade II listed Soho townhouse an exciting revolution is brewing. Zima, or “Winter” in Russian, combines Russian cuisine with small plates and drink in a kitsch speakeasy atmosphere.

Behind this venture is Alexei Zimin, a TV celebrity chef, editor of popular food magazine Afisha-Eda and owner of a mini-empire of casual restaurants in Moscow. Having trained atLe Cordon Blue before working in the kitchens of Michel Guérard, Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay, Alexei is now on a mission to introduce the world to the amazing tastes and flavours from the former Soviet Union that now has Russia in thrall.